Former vice president and opposition leader Joice Mujuru has called for fresh elections amid public anger and protests over the country’s deteriorating economic situation

Mrs. Mujuru told a news conference held at her Harare residence Tuesday that President Mugabe should dissolve government to pave way for fresh elections to contain the country’s economic crisis.

She said the government’s recent import ban on basic commodities that triggered massive protests in the border town of Beitbridge, was symptomatic of a government that has failed to provide answers to the plight of suffering Zimbabweans.

Amid rising anger among Zimbabweans and spontaneous protests that are being held in some parts of the country, Mrs. Mujuru called on the police and other law enforcement agents to exercise restraint, saying Zimbabwe’s constitution allows citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations.

She said there was no need for any heavy-handedness on the part of the authorities as Zimbabweans are yearning for any answer to a myriad of problems that they are currently facing.

Mrs. Mujuru’s appeal for peaceful demonstrations comes at a time when some groups have called for a three-day mass stay-away that is expected to start Wednesday.